We wanted to start early in order to beat the heat and make sure we got a parking spot. We got to the trailhead at about 5:15 am, used the toilets that were there, and started our hike at 5:30 am. It was dark and flashlights/headlamps were needed. The incline on this hike is no joke. I knew it was going to be hard so I was not completely shocked and we took it slow and steady. We had another fantastic day of beautiful weather. It was definitely busier than other peaks we have hiked, but everyone was friendly. At the summit, I was overwhelmed with just how gorgeous it was up there and cried. The valley below was covered in a cloud blanket but you could see the the surrounding mountain peaks of SoCal. After taking a short break up top, we started our descent down. I instantly felt knee pain. Apparently, the two months of rest did not help the previous injury and we had an incredibly slow descent. Thank goodness for patient friends.